Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 116-8
Light and ventilation in habitable space
Operative Text
A. Habitable space shall be provided with natural light through one or more windows, skylights, transparent or translucent panels or any combinations thereof that face directly on legal open spaces at least six inches above the adjoining finished grade, or are above a roof. The amount of light shall be equivalent to that transmitted through clear glass equal in area to 10% of the floor area of the habitable space. B. Habitable space shall be provided with artificial light. C. Habitable space shall be provided with natural ventilation through openable parts of windows or other openings in exterior walls that face legal open spaces above the adjoining finished grade or above a roof or through openable parts of skylights, providing total clear ventilation area equal to not less than 5% of the total floor area of each habitable space.
Thomaston, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 116 § 116-8 establishes minimum standards for light and ventilation in any room used for living purposes. Natural light must be supplied through windows, skylights, or similar transparent elements totaling at least 10% of the room's floor area, and artificial lighting must also be present. Natural ventilation must be provided through openable windows, skylights, or exterior wall openings with a combined clear opening area of at least 5% of the floor area.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ch. 116 § 116-8, compliant operators ensure that every habitable room has windows or skylights with a combined glazed area equal to at least 10% of that room's floor area, all facing legal open spaces or positioned above a roof. Operators also maintain functional artificial lighting in each habitable space and verify that openable portions of windows or skylights provide a clear ventilation area of no less than 5% of the floor area. Routine inspections of window hardware, glazing integrity, and skylight operability help demonstrate ongoing compliance with these standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 116-8 of the Thomaston Code gives occupants of habitable rooms the right to adequate natural light and ventilation, meaning windows or skylights meeting the 10% glazing and 5% openable-area thresholds, as well as functional artificial lighting. If a unit appears to fall short of these minimums — for example, windows that are sealed shut or rooms with insufficient glazing — tenants may document the conditions and raise the issue with the local code enforcement or building department. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand how a violation of § 116-8 might be raised as a defense or used to support a formal complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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